Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Marta Kostyuk and other Ukrainian players have often refused post-match handshakes with players linked to Russia/Belarus. Kostyuk is ready to shake hands with only those who publicly oppose the war.
Ahead of her Madrid Open semifinals against Anastasia Potapova, Kostyuk was asked by a media person if she would shake hands with her. Potapova is a Russian-born Austrian star and therefore the intrigue.
Kostyuk opposed the idea, implying that she only shakes hands with those individuals who have actively spoken against the war. Just because Potapova’s nationality has changed, Kostyuk has no obligation to shake hands.
“Well, the only person that I shake hands with is Daria Kasatkina, because she didn’t just change her passport, but she also openly said that she doesn’t support the war and all of that,” Kostyuk said. “So this is why I and the other girls made the decision to shake hands with her, purely out of respect.
“In this case, I mean, there have been multiple players who have changed their nationality, but none of them have ever voiced anything against the war or anything to support Ukrainians or whatever. So for me, that doesn’t change.”
Kostyuk’s reply didn’t sit well as some fans found her a hypocrite. One fan cited her shaking hands with Elena Rybakina despite her family staying in Moscow. The fan also mentioned that Aryna Sabalenka has also opposed the war.
“What did Kasatkhia say that Sabalenka did not? Why is she shaking hands with Rybakina who’s family still lives in Moscow and she visits them from time to time,” the fan said.
“Kostyuk will shake Rybakina’s hand though,” one fan sarcastically wrote.
“Don’t talk about respect. You and Svitolina and there’s a third one that needs psychiatric help!” one fan added.
“How f**king annoying they are with this handshake bulls*it,” one fan commented.
“isn’t everyone tired of asking this question over and over again??” one fan asked.
“The less Kostyuk speaks, the better,” one fan added.
Marta Kostyuk Advances to Madrid Open Finals
Coming to tennis, Marta Kostyuk’s spirited run in Madrid saw her defeating Anastasia Potapova in the semifinal, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1. After the match, she did not shake hands with Potapova.
The Ukrainian will face Mirra Andreeva in the finals. Interestingly, Andreeva is a Russian player, so expect Kostyuk to avoid a handshake.
This is Kostyuk’s first WTA 1000 final, as she has been in excellent form on clay. It remains to be seen if she manages to win the title.
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